Original Vintage Poster - Visit the Basque Coast - 1957 - Bernard Villemot

Created in 1957 by Bernard Villemot, the undisputed master of postwar French poster art, this composition invites viewers to travel with a sense of fluid elegance. Commissioned by the Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Français (SNCF), it is one of those iconic works that helped redefine the visual language of tourism in France, blending graphic modernity with poetic evocation.

Bathed in sunlight, the scene celebrates the seaside pleasures and refined lifestyle of the Basque Coast. A sweeping view reveals a lively beach lined with colorful tents, set against the rolling curves of a lush, green landscape. In the foreground, stylized silhouettes of golfers and horseback riders sketch a world of leisure and sophistication. The bold color blocks and soft contours are signature elements of Villemot’s style - synthetic, joyful, and deeply elegant.

Printed in lithography by Publicité Hubert Baille, this rare poster is presented in a format of 39 x 24.6 inches, linen-backed for optimal preservation, and in remarkable condition (Grade A). It perfectly captures the golden age of French railway tourism, when destinations were elevated through the artistic vision of celebrated illustrators.

An emblematic collector’s piece, it appeals to both graphic design enthusiasts and lovers of travel art, uniting retro charm, artistic excellence, and French visual heritage.